Is Moving to Crown Heights in Brooklyn a Great Idea?

By: ROS Team

It’s not uncommon to do a lot of research before moving to a new place. The first task usually entails deciding where you want to live and then learning everything you can about your new neighborhood. Once you’re done with that, you can expect to do a lot of planning to solidify the logistics and budget for your move.

If you’re getting ready to embark on relocation or are just curious about neighborhoods near or in Brooklyn, NY. We suggest looking into the Crown Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn.

Crown Heights: Brooklyn’s Finest

Crown Heights is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Brooklyn, NY. It’s centrally located between Brownsville near Empire Boulevard, Ralph, and Washington Avenues. Crown Heights is close to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Prospect Park, and Barclays Center.

Crown Heights is a unique blend of distinctive and uniquely designed buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries and new residential developments, all of which attract people from all walks of life.

Demographics

In Crown Heights, the majority of residents are of Caribbean American, Caribbean, and African-American descent. However, the neighborhood has seen a shift in the demographics with a growing population of White, Hispanic, and Asian residents over the last ten years who have chosen to call Crown Heights home.

Life in Crown Heights

Crown Heights has something for the residents of every economic status. Opulent mansions, which were once prevalent in the area, have been torn down to make room for new residential buildings to buy and rent.

Cost of Living

The price of new residential apartment units in Crown Heights increased by nearly 45%. Which is more than in any neighborhood in Brooklyn over the last decade. Home prices continue to trend upward–in 2020, prices increased by roughly 14%.

You may be surprised to learn that rent prices are considerably lower in Crown Heights compared to other New York neighborhoods. The average rent for an apartment increased 8% to $1,700 since 2020, which is quite reasonable.

Safety

Safety is one of the major concerns for newcomers. Crown Heights, like most neighborhoods, is not completely crime-free, but it is definitely one of the safer neighborhoods in and near Brooklyn.

Things to Do in Crown Heights

Some of the most popular attractions in Crown Heights include the Jewish Children’s Museum. The Weeksville Heritage Center, and the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. Crown Heights also has St. John’s Recreation Center, which has outside playing fields and an indoor pool, and Brower Park with ball courts and playing grounds. There is also Brooklyn Public Library, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Crown Heights residents have a front-row seat to the West Indian American Day parade that goes down the Eastern Parkway.

Kingston Avenue offers Kosher restaurants and Judaica stores. In short, there’s plenty to do in this up-and-coming neighborhood.

Schools

Crown Heights has a lot to offer education-wise. There are dozens of public elementary schools as well as several dozen middle and high schools in the neighborhood. Popular schools include The League School, The International Arts Business School, The School for Democracy and Leadership, and The School for Human Rights. There are also three branches of the Brooklyn Public Library.

Transportation

Crown Heights is only 30 minutes from Midtown Manhattan by train, and stations are conveniently located on Franklin Avenue.

Final Words

If you work in Manhattan and are looking for affordable housing that’s somewhat removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, consider moving to Crown Heights. Although the neighborhood’s rent prices are on the rise, it’s worth it if you are looking for a safe, suburban neighborhood